Backgrounder
Knowledge, care and creativity are hallmarks of Rochester Area Community Foundation, serving the greater Rochester region for 40 years. Known as both the steward of charitable funds and endowments and a leading grantmaker, the Community Foundation connects donors with changing needs throughout the region. Its relationship with legal and financial advisors helps donors attain both giving and tax-saving goals.
The Community Foundation currently administers more than 1,000 funds for individuals, families, organizations and businesses and has made more than $293 million in grants since its founding in 1972. With in-depth evaluations on local charitable programs, the Community Foundation staff aids donors with specific interests, as well as those who value the foundation's use of unrestricted gifts. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded more than $17.2 million in grants.
Donors may create a fund with investment options or use other giving methods, such as charitable gift annuities. They may set up a Charitable Checking AccountSM, where a deposit of one larger gift can later be used to make smaller gifts.
Rochester Area Community Foundation is building the region's permanent endowment — helping our community now and for generations to come. Under supervision of a distinguished board of directors, investments are managed by external professionals.
Through grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Community Foundation donors assist residents of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties. Donors also may designate gifts to nonprofits in other areas of New York state and the country.
Gifts from unrestricted funds are invested in strategic initiatives to achieve community-wide improvement in key areas, currently early childhood development, after-school programs and civic engagement. Other broad areas of donor interest include arts and culture, women and girls, successful aging, and the environment.
A resource for charitable estate planning and philanthropy, the Community Foundation brings national experts to seminars for local attorneys and financial professionals. Its creative support for philanthropy includes helping donors establish charitable programs where none exist, such as Quad A for Kids and the Common Good Planning Center.
The Community Foundation has 22 staff members. Jennifer Leonard, the president and CEO, has served as its leader since 1993.
For more information, please call (585) 271-4100.